Blackhawks F Hossa out for 2 to 3 weeks

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81), of Slovakia, takes a ride on his stick as he falls while defending New York Rangers left wing Carl Hagelin (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

CHICAGO (AP) -- Marian Hossa will be sidelined for two to three weeks because of an upper-body injury, leaving the Chicago Blackhawks without one of their top scorers.

Hossa was injured Saturday night during Chicago's 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins outside at Soldier Field. It is unclear exactly when Hossa got hurt, but he took a hard hit from Penguins forward Craig Adams during Chicago's second power play of the first period.

The announcement on Monday is a big blow for the defending Stanley Cup champions, who lead the NHL with 213 goals this season. Chicago is competing with St. Louis and Anaheim for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks and Blues also are tied for the Central Division lead with 86 points apiece.

The 35-year-old Hossa has 24 goals and 26 assists in 57 games. He needs 15 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Brandon Saad moved up to take Hossa's spot on the right side of Chicago's top line against the Penguins. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville also could put Patrick Kane back together with center Jonathan Toews, but that move would weaken the scoring depth on the Blackhawks' lines.

Hossa's absence likely means more playing time for Peter Regin, who was scratched against Pittsburgh.

''There's going to be some quality ice time shared amongst the guys,'' Quenneville said after practice on Monday. ''I thought Saader did a real good job getting put up on that line there as the game progressed the other day so we'll probably put him there and we'll get Peter back in the lineup.''

The 21-year-old Saad has a career-high 18 goals and 23 assists in his second full NHL season.